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Morven Fitzgerald: Transitions & Transformations

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“Over the years, technology and new ways of sharing and exchanging knowledge kept CEGE’s programs innovative and relevant. It has been exciting to look back at what we have accomplished, but it is even more rewarding to look forward to new on-line/blended learning possibilities that are waiting for us in the future.” Morven Fitzgerald, Integrated Learning Coordinator MPA (M) & MIM Programs


Morven Fitzgerald, Integrated Learning Coordinator MPA (M) & MIM Programs

 

Over the years, technology and new ways of sharing and exchanging knowledge kept CEGE’s programs innovative and relevant. It has been exciting to look back at what we have accomplished, but it is even more rewarding to look forward to new on-line/blended learning possibilities that are waiting for us in the future.” Morven Fitzgerald

Morven Fitzgerald, Integrated Learning Coordinator for the Masters of Information Management and Master of Public Administration Management programs, was there from (nearly) the beginning of the MBA(FS).  From its genesis to present day, Morven has been a witness to the remarkable transformations that have occurred at the Centre for Executive and Graduate Education (CEGE) within the short time frame of 21 years.

I have been with CEGE since 1999,” Morven recalled in a recent FaceTime interview.  “It seems so very long ago! But it all comes back with a fresh perspective, especially as we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the MBA(FS) program. I tended to work in the background to facilitate and coordinate student activities and requests. I did not travel as much as Michelle; instead, I was engaged in creating and shipping intensive materials, plus receiving assignments by fax and getting them returned to students and support for whomever needed whatever.

Looking back, what we accomplished was remarkable. Delivery was through a formal web board that today we would call a “blog” (long before blogging was a term). Lesson notes were created to fill the gap created by no formal lectures in a classroom. Any electronic documentation was attached to the blog and viewable by all within the course. Private communication necessitated the use of external email. Assignments were returned by fax. As outdated as this sounds, it was well ahead of its time all those years ago.

In 1999, while I was engaged with the MBA(FS) students, in another part of the building, the Master of Public Administration (Management) students attended school every other Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. There was a two-week hiatus between classes for assignments and hand-ins, readings and research. There was a 3-hour exam at the end of each course. Unlike the MBA(FS) program there were no formal “lesson notes.” The sole means of communication at that time was email; the only classroom equipment were whiteboards and projectors (when they worked, if they were there). The on-campus MPA moved under the CEGE umbrella. With the final cohort of students due to graduate in a couple of years, new means of delivering the program were being explored in order to reach a larger, more diverse, audience.  WebCT, a learning management system (LMS) software application for the delivery of on-line/blended education, was the next iteration in technology.

I was selected to bring the Master of Public Administration(M) program online with WebCT. Shortly thereafter, I moved the MBA(FS) program onto the same system as it had tested so well with MPA(M).  The Master of Information Management was a natural addition to CEGE’s program.

The Centre for Executive and Graduate Education is known to respond to the ever-changing business environment by offering degree programs specific to the sector and the audience it will serve.  In addition to the MBA(FS), professionals have the choice of an MBA that specializes in Leadership, Master of Public Administration (Management) and Master of Information Management. 

Over the years, technology and new ways of sharing and exchanging knowledge kept CEGE’s programs innovative and relevant. It has been exciting to look back at what we have accomplished, but it is even more rewarding to look forward to new on-line/blended learning possibilities that are waiting for us in the future.

 

Celebrating Milestones: The 20th Anniversary of the MBA(FS) Class of 1999

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Class of 1999 MBA(FS)
Graduations signify passages and transitions, of moving forward and of accepting new ventures and challenges.

Today, the Class of 2019 will walk across the stage to accept their degrees, marking the culmination of a rigorous academic journey.

“On behalf of the University Senate, we hereby attest that Dalhousie University has awarded the degree of…”

The emotions of gratitude and anticipation mingle together as graduates join the ranks of a vibrant alumni community. Even so, there is a wistful look back over the miles travelled since the arrival of the first textbooks.

Twenty years ago, on the eve of a new millennium, the Class of 1999 was the first to achieve the degree, MBA (Financial Services).

Over the summer months, I reached out to those who witnessed the graduation ceremonies under the banner of the Office of External Graduate Program.  The inaugural convocation of the MBA(FS) was a profound and moving experience for the students, but also for those who were applauding from the sidelines.

Class of 1999 MBA(FS)

Joseph A. Macdonald

Convocation 1999 remains top-of-mind to this day. I recall the following observations made that eventful evening. I have never been one to attend my own graduations. For me, the educational process had always been about getting the information and the designation and moving on to the next stage of life.  However, my commitment to attending the MBA (FS) graduations was 100%.

Since the 1996 beginnings, our administration team had shared our students’ journeys professionally and personally. We spent time reassuring them, tutoring them, listening to their challenges and even providing a shoulder when times were especially tough.

As I stood on the corner of the graduation stage and watched each of these dedicated individuals shake the Chancellor’s hand and receive their parchment from the Registrar, I was touched, to my core, with a sense of pride that comes from watching a sibling, a close friend or one’s own child graduate.  This was a far stronger and deeper feeling than anything that I had experienced following my personal achievements.

It was obvious that this group of individuals would go on to achieve much. And they have.

Michelle Hunter

Great reflection piece, Joseph.  While I was fairly new to the MBA FS program team, I felt a real connection right away with the class of 1999.  To this day, I beam with pride and get goose bumps as I watch graduates walk across the stage to receive their degree.

Morven Fitzgerald

I agree with Joseph and Michelle. I feel like my children are graduating. Every convocation leaves me with a warm fuzzy (and sad as they say goodbye) feeling.

 

Dalhousie University

CEGE Connection would like to recognize the contribution of the MBA(FS)Class of 1999 as they commemorate their twentieth-year anniversary. All our best goes out to these graduates on this very special milestone year. Thank you for your commitment to excellence, life-long learning and the communities in which you live and work.

To the graduating Class of 2019 – congratulations  We are proud of your success and wish for you the very best in your future endeavours.

Reflections on the Class of 1999 Convocation

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Class of 1999 MBA(FS)

Fall convocation is only a few days away, with the ceremonies scheduled for October 2nd and 3rd.  The Class of 2017 will walk across the stage to accept their degrees, marking the culmination of a rigorous academic journey.

Graduations signify passages and transitions, of moving forward and of accepting new ventures and challenges.

“On behalf of the University Senate, we hereby attest that Dalhousie University has awarded the degree of…”

The emotions of gratitude and anticipation mingle together as graduates join the ranks of a vibrant alumni community. Even so, there is a wistful look back over the miles travelled since the arrival of the first textbooks.

On the eve of a new millennium, the Class of 1999 was the first to achieve the degree, MBA (Financial Services).

Over the summer months, I reached out to those who witnessed the graduation ceremonies under the banner of the Office of External Graduate Program.  The inaugural convocation of the MBA(FS) was a profound and moving experience for the students, but also for those who were applauding from the sidelines.

Class of 1999 MBA(FS)

Joseph A. Macdonald

Convocation 1999 remains top-of-mind to this day. I recall the following observations made that eventful evening. I have never been one to attend my own graduations. For me, the educational process had always been about getting the information and the designation and moving on to the next stage of life.  However, my commitment to attending the MBA (FS) graduations was 100%.

Since the 1996 beginnings, our administration team had shared our students’ journeys professionally and personally. We spent time reassuring them, tutoring them, listening to their challenges and even providing a shoulder when times were especially tough.

As I stood on the corner of the graduation stage and watched each of these dedicated individuals shake the Chancellor’s hand and receive their parchment from the Registrar, I was touched, to my core, with a sense of pride that comes from watching a sibling, a close friend or one’s own child graduate.  This was a far stronger and deeper feeling than anything that I had experienced following my personal achievements.

It was obvious that this group of individuals would go on to achieve much. And they have.

Michelle Hunter

Great reflection piece, Joseph.  While I was fairly new to the MBA FS program team, I felt a real connection right away with the class of 1999.  To this day, I beam with pride and get goose bumps as I watch graduates walk across the stage to receive their degree.

Morven Fitzgerald

I agree with Joseph and Michelle. I feel like my children are graduating. Every convocation leaves me with a warm fuzzy (and sad as they say goodbye) feeling.

Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2017. We are proud of your success and wish for you the very best in your future endeavours.

 

Morven Fitzgerald: Transitions & Transformations

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Morven Fitzgerald, Integrated Learning Coordinator MPA (M) & MIM Programs

 

Over the years, technology and new ways of sharing and exchanging knowledge kept CFAME’s programs innovative and relevant. It has been exciting to look back at what we have accomplished, but it is even more rewarding to look forward to new on-line/blended learning possibilities that are waiting for us in the future.” Morven Fitzgerald

Morven Fitzgerald, Integrated Learning Coordinator for the Masters of Information Management and Master of Public Administration Management programs, was there from (nearly) the beginning of the MBA(FS).  From its genesis to present day, Morven has been a witness to the remarkable transformations that have occurred at the Centre for Advanced Management Education (CFAME) within the short time-frame of 20 years.

I have been with CFAME since 1999,” Morven recalled in a recent FaceTime interview.  “It seems so very long ago! But it all comes back with a fresh perspective, especially as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the MBA(FS) program. I tended to work in the background to facilitate and coordinate student activities and requests. I did not travel as much as Michelle; instead, I was engaged in creating and shipping intensive materials, plus receiving assignments by fax and getting them returned to students and support for whomever needed whatever.

Looking back, what we accomplished was remarkable. Delivery was through a formal web board that today we would call a “blog” (long before blogging was a term). Lesson notes were created to fill the gap created by no formal lectures in a classroom. Any electronic documentation was attached to the blog and viewable by all within the course. Private communication necessitated the use of external email. Assignments were returned by fax. As outdated as this sounds, it was well ahead of its time all those years ago.

In 1999, while I was engaged with the MBA(FS) students, in another part of the building, the Master of Public Administration (Management) students attended school every other Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. There was a two-week hiatus between classes for assignments and hand-ins, readings and research. There was a 3-hour exam at the end of each course. Unlike the MBA(FS) program there were no formal “lesson notes.” The sole means of communication at that time was email; the only classroom equipment were whiteboards and projectors (when they worked, if they were there). The on-campus MPA moved under the CFAME umbrella. With the final cohort of students due to graduate in a couple of years, new means of delivering the program were being explored in order to reach a larger, more diverse, audience.  WebCT, a learning management system (LMS) software application for the delivery of on-line/blended education, was the next iteration in technology.

I was selected to bring the Master of Public Administration(M) program online with WebCT. Shortly thereafter, I moved the MBA(FS) program onto the same system as it had tested so well with MPA(M).  The Master of Information Management was a natural addition to CFAME’s program.

The Centre for Advanced Management Education is known to respond to the ever-changing business environment by offering degree programs specific to the sector and the audience it will serve.  In addition to the MBA(FS), professionals have the choice of an MBA that specializes in Leadership, Master of Public Administration (Management) and Master of Information Management. 

Over the years, technology and new ways of sharing and exchanging knowledge kept CFAME’s programs innovative and relevant. It has been exciting to look back at what we have accomplished, but it is even more rewarding to look forward to new on-line/blended learning possibilities that are waiting for us in the future.

 

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